#qualitative-research

Analyze qualitative data using Braun & Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Six-phase process: 1. Familiarization: transcribe interviews verbatim, read/re-read data, note initial ideas. 2. Generate codes: systematic coding across entire dataset, code for as many potential themes as possible. 3. Search for themes: collate codes into potential themes, gather relevant coded data. 4. Review themes: check themes work at coded extract level and entire dataset level. 5. Define themes: ongoing analysis to refine themes, generate clear definitions and names. 6. Produce report: final analysis, select vivid extract examples, relate to research question and literature. Use NVivo, Atlas.ti, or manual coding. Ensure inter-rater reliability with second coder on 20% of data (Cohen's κ > 0.60).

Design and conduct effective focus groups for qualitative insights. Planning: 1. Homogeneous groups: similar backgrounds to encourage discussion. 2. Group size: 6-10 participants for manageable discussion. 3. Number of groups: 3-5 per segment until saturation reached. 4. Recruitment: screening questionnaire, oversample by 25% for no-shows. Moderator guide: 1. Introduction: explain purpose, ground rules, confidentiality. 2. Warm-up questions: easy, general topics to build rapport. 3. Main questions: 2-3 key topics, use probes and follow-ups. 4. Closing: summary, final thoughts, next steps. Moderation techniques: 1. Encourage participation from quiet members without forcing. 2. Manage dominant participants diplomatically. 3. Use projective techniques: sentence completion, image sorting. 4. Record audio/video with permission for accurate transcription. Analysis: transcript verbatim, code inductively, look for consensus and divergent views, distinguish individual opinions from group-generated insights. Report themes with supporting quotes, note group dynamics effects.

Code qualitative data systematically. Process: 1. Familiarize with data (read transcripts multiple times). 2. Generate initial codes (open coding, line-by-line). 3. Organize codes into categories (axial coding). 4. Identify themes and patterns (selective coding). 5. Create codebook with definitions and examples. 6. Code data using software (NVivo, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA). 7. Check inter-rater reliability. 8. Write analytic memos. Use inductive or deductive approach. Ensure saturation. Triangulate with other data sources. Report themes with supporting quotes.